Profit in Agroforestry

The Center for Agroforestry strives to establish new and profitable crops for
Missouri land and forest owners. In addition to market research on supply, demand
and pricing potential, the Center's research collaborators at the University of
Missouri and across the Midwest are evaluating the production of nut crops,
including pecans, chestnuts and black walnuts; medicinal herbs and botanicals,
like ginseng and black cohosh; edible forest products including berries and
specialty mushrooms; and non-timber products, such as decorative woody florals.
Timber values and markets are also being evaluated, as many agroforestry practices
yield not only short-term income through value-added products, but valuable lumber
and hardwoods as the tree stands mature.

For additional information on specialty mushrooms, wildlflower production, pine
straw, value-added lumber production, nut crops and other profitable products
produced through agroforestry, request a copy of the Center's
Agroforestry DVD.

Chestnut Market Analysis: Producers’ Perspective (PDF, 309 KB)2006 Market Directory (PDF, 55 KB)
The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (UMCA) is conducting
research to identify and describe the chestnut (Castanea spp.) product market
value chain. Through detailed market research and by organizing events that
increase consumer awareness towards chestnuts, UMCA’s goal is to broaden market
opportunities for all individuals and businesses in the chestnut marketplace. In
2004, UMCA conducted a nationwide survey of individuals and businesses active in
the U.S. chestnut market (nurseries, producers and sellers). The focus of this
report is to describe the market from the producers’ perspective.

Development of Improved Black Walnut Selections for Use in Agroforestry Practices: The Center for Agroforestry has been working since 1996 to develop black walnut into an orchard crop, striving for identification of the best-suited cultivars for Missouri climate and soils.

Black Walnut Financial Model focused on timber production. Designed to assist potential growers in making decisions about tree spacing, nut harvest, and whether to use improved (grafted) or unimproved trees.